Gabriel’s Story

In July of this year, my cat Gabriel had a terrifying medical emergency. During our supervised backyard time, Gabriel found and ate a portion of a lily leaf. Anyone familiar with cats knows how dangerous lilies are: even a small amount can cause fatal kidney failure. I’ve always been extremely vigilant with him outdoors, keeping the yard clear of dangerous plants and watching him and we played.

The moment I realized what had happened, I rushed Gabriel to the UIUC Emergency Veterinary Hospital. We were there in under half an hour. The incredible emergency team immediately began treatment: they induced vomiting, ran blood tests, and started him on fluids to protect his kidneys. The doctors recommended hospitalization in the ICU for 2–3 days so they could continue fluids and closely monitor his kidney function.

After Gabe was home, we followed up with our regular veterinarian. His bloodwork showed that his kidneys were still functioning, but the risk was not over. The coming weeks were filled with vet visits, blood tests, and medication. UTI's and Bladder Infections followed in the coming weeks, and the bills stacked up.

I’m sharing Gabriel’s story now because I need help. Between the emergency visit, the ICU stay, and the ongoing veterinary care, the bills have already stretched far beyond what I can manage on my own. Every additional test, every follow-up visit, and every prescription adds up. He's now on a prescription urinary diet, at nearly $100 per bag. I’ve done everything I can, but the truth is: I can’t do this alone.

That’s why I’m reaching out. If you are able to help: whether it’s a donation, sharing Gabriel’s story, or simply keeping him in your thoughts... it makes a difference. Your support helps ensure that Gabriel can continue receiving the care he needs to recover fully, and it eases the financial strain that has made this already difficult situation overwhelming.

Even the smallest contribution goes directly to his care: medications, lab work to monitor his kidney function, and any further treatments he may need if complications arise. Every dollar counts, and every share of this campaign helps spread the word.

I know that times are tough for so many people right now. Please know that I don’t take your support lightly. To everyone who has reached out and has asked how Gabriel is doing: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Gabe and I are both so grateful.

If you’re able, please consider donating to Gabriel’s care fund. Help me ensure he has the chance to live the long, happy, and healthy life he deserves.

Thank you for reading Gabriel’s story, for caring, and for helping us through this. With your support, I can give him the fighting chance he needs.

All funds raised are going 100% towards paying down medical loans, high interest credit cards that were used for his Veterinary care, and the support of future testing.

The total amount needed to be raised is approximately $3,600. This will allow me to get him a steady supply of prescription urinary food, help with the monthly blood and urine testing, and to get the debt paid down. This event, and the complications that have continued to arise from it have caused me to start living paycheck to paycheck (due to the high interest from the loan and credit cards and trying to pay those balances, and the associated interest, down).